Scotland’s T20 World Cup preparations begin as Head coach names coaching staff

While the ongoing T20 World Cup row has thrown the tournament into uncertainty, one team that has benefited from the situation is Scotland, even if this wasn’t the way they would have wanted to qualify.

On Monday, Scotland men’s head coach Owen Dawkins confirmed his coaching team and support staff for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India.

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Dawkins, along with men’s assistant coach Gordon Drummond, was appointed in December 2025. The duo will be supported by Moneeb Iqbal, Paul Tweddle and Zac Bess during the tournament.

“I’m delighted to confirm the Scotland coaching team for this T20 World Cup campaign,” Dawkins said.

“Given the extremely short notice we had to build a staff for the tournament, it was important for us to provide a staff with a number of different experiences to work alongside Gordon and myself, and it’s great to see we’ve assembled a high-quality group.”

Dawkins also highlighted the value Iqbal and Tweddle bring to the squad.

“Moneeb and Paul both bring huge value in their different areas. Moneeb has good awareness of much of the playing squad having worked with them across the last few years including at the last World Cup in the Caribbean.

“Paul brings great experience and success from his time at Somerset and having previously toured with England. I’m excited to have him lead on our fielding during the tour and know the players will gain lots from him.”

The Scotland head coach also praised the support staff for adjusting quickly to the sudden call-up, with Scotland receiving the ICC invitation to compete in the marquee tournament just 10 days ago.

“Our support staff have been operating at a high level… and it’s this flexibility with all our staff that will help us be successful as a squad,” Dawkins added, while thanking Head of Performance Steve Snell for putting the structure together at short notice.

Among the support staff, Dr Raj McRea-Routray will serve as team doctor, Gary Metcalfe as physiotherapist, and Fiona Rae as team manager.

Iqbal, a former Scotland international, will take up the role of spin coach for a second successive Men’s T20 World Cup, having been part of Scotland’s coaching setup at the 2024 edition in the West Indies and USA.

Tweddle, Somerset’s fielding and assistant coach, was part of the coaching staff that guided the county to T20 Blast titles in 2023 and 2025. He has also served as interim head coach at Taunton and worked with England Lions.

Meanwhile, Bess will take charge as strength and conditioning coach, a role he currently performs with Nottinghamshire. He has previously worked with Worcestershire and has franchise cricket experience with Trent Rockets in The Hundred.